I was watching the DIY network and saw a product that would be installed before tiling shower walls. This orange membrane like material went over the cement board and waterproofed the walls before the tile was installed. What is the name of this product and does it really waterproof the walls?

Yes it works, it's been around a long time. Most people do not use it because it cost more to do but it's the "right" way to do it.
http://www.schluter.com/8_4_kerdi_shower_kit.aspx

Thanks for the reply Joe. I have been reading the website that you attached to find out how to attach the membrane to the cement board and could not find how to do it. I am pretty sure it gets attached with thinset, however do not know what kind of trowel to use? Any help would be appreciated.

It is attached with thinset - but it must be unmodified thinset. Several different trowel sizes will work but Schluter recommends a 1/4" x 3/16" V-notched or a 1/8" x 1/8" square-notched trowel.

Any seams on the membrane must overlap by at least 2" and fully bedded in thinset. One neat thing about the system is that seams are so waterproof that they do not have to lap top over bottom, but can be lapped from any direction.

+1 to Jaybee, Thanks too for the added info.
Going to have to try it in a shower stall redo.

_sr

Hi new here . but wondering if i can ask a question . ... once i take down old bath/shower wall is there a certain kind of insulation i must use ?before putting anything else up

Only if it's an outside wall or your trying to make it quieter for some reason.

you must insulate with no breaks behind showers or tubs, etc. that means red seam tape over staples as well as seams in the plastic, etc. over time, over 20 to 50 years, everything you put on those walls will either hold water or let it through.

that's why you need waterproofing... 8 mil poly, Kerdi, whatever. why start a new mold colony with your new shower when you didn't like the old one?

Just signed up with DIY message boards. My husband and I have started a complete master bath renovation and have gotten lots of good advice through the message boards. The entire room is down to studs right now, just finished the plumbing rough-ins. He is planning on starting with the shower and was contemplating whether to use Durock or Denshield for the tile backing. Any DIYs out there that have experience with either or both? He is leaning towards using the Denshield due to built-in waterproofing, ease of cutting and lighter weight material but I have seen mixed reviews online. Any advice would be appreciated.

Pass on the Denshield, stick with the Durock and take the time to water proof it with something like Red Guard.